Electricity is something that seems to get more expensive day by day. Being a necessity, you can’t completely do away with electricity. But there are ways you can lower your overall electricity consumption and cut-down energy savings.
Sure, you need to understand how to read my electric bill but you’ll also need to be vigilant about switching off lights and electronics when not in use. But just doing that won’t bring about a significant change in your energy bills.
In addition to regulating your own energy use, you need to look at your energy needs from a broader perspective.
Here are some simple additions and improvements that will make your house energy efficient.
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1. Install Energy-Efficient Lights
Whether it is summers or winters, lights will consume electricity throughout the year. For a noticeable difference in your energy bills, replace all regular CFLs with LED lights.
If you can afford just one home upgrade, this should be on the top of your list. While LEDs are slightly pricier, they last much longer than CFLs and also are an energy-efficient option.
Additionally, compare electricity plans and switch to an affordable rate to further lower energy costs. If you live in the area, you should know that electricity is deregulated in Texas. Consumers can save on their bills if they shop a list of Texas electricity companies. Consumers can choose from fixed-rate electricity plans from different providers, or they can even shop for EV charging electricity plans or those that have solar buyback if a house has solar panels.
2. Upgrade Your Appliances
Similar to lighting fixtures, various household appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, coffee machines, are constantly used in everyday life.
If you’ve had the same appliance for decades, it’s time to upgrade. Outdated appliances tend to use more energy than required.
By upgrading to energy-efficient models, you can enjoy long-term savings. For instance, replacing your bulbs with LED ones can save you more electric bills as they require less energy to work. Furthermore, they have a long lifespan, so you won’t need to replace them every few years.
3. Improve Insulation
Making energy-efficient home improvements is a convenient way to reduce energy consumption. And home insulation is one such improvement. Keeping a comfortable indoor temperature may require your heater or air conditioner to function throughout the day. These appliances can consume a lot of energy. Hence, you should ensure your home structure can maintain the temperature inside for long periods.
Adequate insulation prevents energy loss and ensures your house retains cooling and heating. Get an expert on board to insulate attics, crawlspaces, basements, garages, and so on.
4. Get a Programmable Thermostat
The closer the indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the better it is. Also, it’s best to dial down the thermostat when you’re not home.
To make it convenient for yourself, replace the manual thermostat with a programmable one.
5. Check HVAC System
HVAC systems make up a major chunk of your total energy consumption. Though HVAC systems are built to last, they will eventually lose the energy efficiency they once possessed.
Get your HVAC systems serviced at least twice a year. Moreover, check the ducts for any leaks or gaps and get them fixed as well.
If some parts of your unit are broken or damaged, you should replace them with new ones. It’s advisable to keep your HVAC system in pristine condition to ensure it’ll work efficiently.
6. Replace Inefficient Plumbing Systems
Even a small leak in your plumbing system is unnecessary wastage of water. It may damage other parts of your home such as your ceiling or walls. If you don’t address the leak immediately, you may end up paying more for your house renovation. So, immediately repair any leaks and replace inefficient plumbing systems with low-flow alternatives.
7. Consider Renewable Energy
If you want to lessen your monthly utility bills, You should consider installing solar panels for home to utilize solar energy. Solar offers an energy upgrade that can generate serious electric bill savings for homeowners at any income level. You can invest in a great quality panel and start your transition from a power grid to a renewable source.
However, if that’s beyond your budget, then one of the easiest ways to make your home sustainable is by switching to an affordable renewable energy plan. Check out Red Energy reviews, if you’re looking for a 100% green power option.
8. Seal Doors & Windows
If you want your home to retain energy and prevent putting a high load on the HVAC unit, then properly seal your door and windows.
Applying weatherstrips on your doors and windows is an affordable sealing option.
It is a great practice to do, especially during winter, to prevent your indoor temperature from getting too low. Furthermore, it’ll prevent cold air from seeping inside your home.
9. Go Old School
Do you always dry your clothes in the dryer? We suggest you go old-school by hanging up a clothesline and air drying your clothes. This will not only save energy, but it’s also better for the environment. If you have open space on your property, you can set up a clothesline and hang your clothes during sunny days to let them dry.
10. Upgrade Soft Furnishings
You can use a range of soft furnishing to further insulate your home. Put up curtains or blinds that will completely cover your windows.
During warmer days, these will keep your home cooler without overloading the HVAC unit.
The Bottom Line
Yes, most of these home improvements will cost you. But look at it as an investment. The subsequent energy savings in the future will justify the expense!
